I’ve been ranting, though I would say in a very reasonable manner with understandable motivation.
What has been happening in this country, and what specifically just happened over the debt ceiling deal, was not a loss for a political party. This was a loss for the people of this country.
If you’re not old enough to remember, go look up what air and water quality were like before the EPA. Or food safety back when there was money and the will to do inspections. We already know what happens to the economy when Wall Street isn’t regulated.
Go back further and look at what happened under FDR to see how we could have gotten out of this mess – and check out Hoover, the failed policies will look familiar.
Or just think of your own commute and how many potholes there are in the street, how few trains there are and how dirty the streets are.
With negative changes probably coming to many government agencies, with no help for unemployment and with no stimulus, no revenue and only cuts I can’t see anything good coming from this. The immediate future may be reminiscent of the 1920s and ‘30s, and since I think this country lacks the will to force the necessary changes, the Great Depression may look like a Golden Age in comparison.
Less than 20 years ago we had a strong economy and a strong nation, but after 30 years of deliberate assault our democracy is all but dead. No, it’s not a crazy conspiracy theory, it’s just that most people don’t realize it happened or why or how. A handful of people control enough politicians to rule the country. Elected representatives of less than 20% of the population dictate policy to the rest.
Manufactured budget crises are being used as excuses to hurt people so that the rich can be given more. Many states and the country as a whole are not being governed for the good of the people but for the benefit of wealthy political donors.
I have always cared about how this country treated people in need, or even just people who needed a little help. I cared even when these things did not touch me, even when my wife and I were both healthy and employed in secure, well paying jobs. I used to have hope for my future and the future of the nation.
I really don’t have much hope anymore. Not for the country or for myself. I am dependent on others for everything I need to live. I’m trying to change that, but the way things look I won’t get the chance. I’m honestly not sure I’ll be around in five years. Hell, I’m not sure I’ll make it to next year.
2 comments:
I totally agree with your opinions here and doubt I could have said it better myself. Due to my own circumstances, I also understand the worry about dependency in our crumbling society. Hang in there and don't let despair steal your energy. Positive thought conceives positive action which gives birth to positive changes!
Thank you, I appreciate the sentiment. I haven't actually given up (more on that in a later post), I just don't like what I see going on or where things are headed.
You're absolutely right, despair does steal your energy. I agree that a positive attitude is necessary. It is something that I try to cultivate, and I'm still working on it.
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